At least 13 vessels part of the flotilla were intercepted by the Israeli Navy in recent hours, with one reportedly rammed in international waters, according to the humanitarian flotilla’s organization.
Among those detained are the coordinator of the Left Bloc, Mariana Mortágua, Portuguese actress Sofia Aparício, and activist Miguel Duarte.
The director of Amnesty International – Portugal, João Godinho Martins, expressed his “concern and dismay”, emphasizing his expectation for a firmer stance from the Portuguese Government regarding Israel.
João Godinho Martins recalled that on Wednesday, the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement but noted that “there was not a single condemnation concerning the fact that Portuguese civilians” were detained. These civilians were part of the humanitarian flotilla that moved from international waters to the waters of a state (Palestine) that Portugal officially recognized.
“This should make us reflect. No one expected the Minister of Foreign Affairs to fly to Tel Aviv to retrieve the Portuguese citizens, but a word of condemnation and an initial show of support for a humanitarian and solidarity effort was expected,” João Godinho Martins told Lusa.
Portugal formally recognized the State of Palestine on September 21.
The director of Amnesty International – Portugal further stated that the Lisbon Government and European countries “are aware” of the situation in Palestine, although they “do not have the courage” to use the word genocide.
“Portugal and many European states are aware of how many people, including children, have died in Gaza. This is not just a war against Hamas. It’s a war against a people,” João Godinho Martins added.
He also mentioned that Amnesty International is “very involved” globally and has already taken public positions on the war in the Gaza Strip with the Portuguese Government.
Meanwhile, the Portuguese section of Amnesty International announced plans to monitor civil society movements in Portugal that will protest today in various cities across the country.
For João Godinho Martins, it is crucial to “remind” Portuguese politicians that more needs to be done in the name of peace, common sense, and humanitarian aid.
The war in Gaza began after the Hamas attack on Israel, which resulted in 1,200 deaths on October 7, 2023.
Israel’s large-scale military response has, so far, resulted in over 60,000 deaths.
